Vermont
Vermont’s new public retirement program may arrive before 2024 ends
Vermont’s new public retirement program, called Vermont Saves, may launch before 2024 ends.
The program wasn’t supposed to open until next July.
Currently, 88,000 Vermonters lack retirement plan access through employers. This new program will require all Vermont businesses that don’t offer plans to sign up, giving employees access to a Roth IRA.
State leaders in Colorado, Maine, and Delaware have either already launched or are currently launching similar programs. State Treasurer Mike Pieciak told us that Vermont is following in their footsteps sooner than anticipated. Back in April, Pieciak announced a partnership between Colorado and Vermont to help initiate the program.
The team believes that any Vermont business could sign up as soon as the program launches. Their original plan had businesses sign up in waves over an 18-month period.
Pieciak believes that getting Vermont Saves off the ground, potentially 7-8 months sooner than planned, may give Vermonters more time to add their accounts and build interest.
“Sooner is always better, period, but particularly here where you’re talking about retirement savings. We want people to start saving for their retirement, and the earlier that you do that, the more you’re going to earn in your retirement account. So there really is a value here for individuals to be able to start earlier,” said Pieciak.
There will be events across Vermont before the program fully launches. Once it goes live, there will be a 3-6 week period for businesses to sign on.
Vermont Saves will be required for businesses that currently don’t offer employees retirement plans or benefits. It won’t cost employers any money, and workers can decide to opt out.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Vermont
Burlington events canceled, disrupted by arrival of Eastern Equine Encephalitis
Mosquitos are definitely a bane of summer life in Vermont, but rarely like this.
Recent discoveries of the potentially fatal mosquito-borne illness Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) have prompted the cancelation or rescheduling of several events in Burlington. The center of the region’s public-gathering activities, Vermont’s largest city is one of the areas of highest risk for EEE, according to the Vermont Department of Health.
That has led the Health Department to “strongly recommend” that people in communities of elevated risk limit outdoor exposure between prime mosquito times of 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. until the first hard frost that kills mosquitos arrives. Five high-risk communities – Burlington, Colchester, Alburgh, Swanton and Sudbury – have been identified by the Health Department.
Cancelations or rescheduling of events in Burlington include:
Oktoberfest Vermont
Perhaps the largest event affected by EEE, Oktoberfest Vermont would have taken place Sept. 20-21 at Waterfront Park. More than 30 breweries and cideries – including Chittenden County businesses Zero Gravity, Switchback, Burlington Beer, American Flatbread, Citizen Cider, Four Quarters, Black Flannel, Goodwater and Green Empire – were due to participate in the event that often sells out.
“While the eventual outcome of this virus’ impact and the general response from the public is not our judgment call to make, the significant costs associated with organizing this event prevent us from delaying this decision any further to find out,” reads a statement from Oktoberfest Vermont posted Sept. 3 to social media. “Please know that this decision was not made lightly and we share your disappointment.”
The decision was based on “strong recommendations” from the Vermont Department of Health and City of Burlington, according to the post. Full refunds for those who already bought tickets for Oktoberfest Vermont were due by Sept. 4.
Summervale
The annual music-and-food event held during the summer at the Intervale along the Winooski River canceled its Aug. 29 and Sept. 5 events “for the safety of our staff and our community,” according to Summervale’s website. This year’s weekly celebration began July 11 before its abrupt end.
Burlington City Arts concerts
The annual concert series presented by Burlington City Arts has been disrupted by EEE. Daytime events remain in City Hall Park, but evening performances are being moved indoors to locations including Contois Auditorium inside Burlington City Hall. The Aug. 30 performance by The Discussions was canceled because of the short notice of the EEE recommendations.
Movies at The Frame
The Frame along the Lake Champlain waterfront has been hosting movies at 8 p.m. Thursday nights this summer. A screening of “Barbie” that had been scheduled for Sept. 5 at the former Moran Plant site has been canceled because of the threat of EEE.
EEE cases in Vermont
According to the Vermont Department of Health website, 47 groups of mosquitos tested positive for the EEE virus across 11 communities, compared with 14 groups in three towns in 2023. The first Vermont case of EEE in humans since 2012 was detected in Chittenden County in August.
“EEE virus activity in Vermont clusters near acidic, hardwood swamps, most commonly in Franklin, Grand Isle, Addison, and northern Rutland counties,” according to the state Health Department. “However, EEE virus could be circulating in other parts of the state, so all Vermonters should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.”
Communities listed by the Vermont Department of Health as having moderate risk for EEE are Milton, Vergennes, Grand Isle, Cornwall and Whiting. The towns of Highgate, Fairfield, Benson, Brandon, Leicester and New Haven have a low risk for EEE, according to the Health Department.
“Most people who do get sick (from EEE) experience a flu-like illness with fever, chills, body aches, and joint pain,” according to the Vermont Department of Health. “This illness can last one to two weeks, and most people recover completely when there is no central nervous system involvement.”
In rare cases, according to the state Department of Health, infection of the brain and spinal cord results, causing sudden high fever, a stiff next and a worsening headache.
“About one-third of people who develop encephalitis from an infection with the EEE virus will die,” the Health Department’s website reads. “Among those who survive, many are left with mild to severe disabilities.” People over age 50 or younger than 15 are at greatest risk for developing severe disease, according to the Health Department.
Contact Brent Hallenbeck at bhallenbeck@freepressmedia.com.
Vermont
Navigating the triple-e threat in Vermont
![Navigating the triple-e threat in Vermont Navigating the triple-e threat in Vermont](https://gray-wcax-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/7QOL4BA6RRMVRPAMABXPRN3U2M.jpg?auth=ae91619f8288966468547fe034748db65089baee5085001146e491c768a99164&width=1200&height=600&smart=true)
BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Amid the threat of triple-e, should folks be attending evening events in high-risk communities?
Vermont health officials issued a warning last Wednesday recommending people in high-risk towns to take protective measures against eastern equine encephalitis, a rare but serious disease spread by infected mosquitos. Those recommendations included staying inside as much as possible between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. for high-risk towns including Alburgh, Burlington, Colchester, and Swanton.
Burlington’s Summervale event was canceled last week because of the triple-e concerns. Organizers of Oktoberfest Vermont 2024 at the Burlington Waterfront on Monday said they were also pulling the plug. But this coming weekend’s Arthop is on, Organizers have acknowledged the triple-e threat on their website with an advisory.
State epidemiologist Patsy Kelso says it’s all about informing residents and visitors so that they can make the decision that’s right for them.” We are not explicitly saying events should be canceled. We’re leaving that decision up to local jurisdictions, but people should be informed and then make their own decisions about if an event is not canceled, whether they want to attend and what precautions they might want to take,” she said.
Most people infected with triple-e do not develop symptoms, Those who do may experience a flu-like illness or fever, chills, body aches, and joint pain. One-third of people with severe illness die. So far, one death and three cases have been reported in New England.
Copyright 2024 WCAX. All rights reserved.
Vermont
Vermont H.S. sports scores for Tuesday, Sept. 3: See how your favorite team fared
![Vermont H.S. sports scores for Tuesday, Sept. 3: See how your favorite team fared Vermont H.S. sports scores for Tuesday, Sept. 3: See how your favorite team fared](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/authoring-images/2024/08/31/PBUR/75025936007-girls-soccer-rice-at-south-burlington-30-aug-249004.jpg?auto=webp&crop=3681,2071,x0,y0&format=pjpg&width=1200)
Vermont high school football: Diawara, SeaWolves race to Week 1 win
Ahmed Diawara racks up 222 yards and five touchdowns on the ground in the SeaWolves’ 35-14 Week 1 high school football victory over Mount Mansfield.
The 2024 Vermont high school fall season has begun. See below for scores, schedules and game details (statistical leaders, game notes) from soccer, field hockey, volleyball, golf and cross-country running.
To report scores: Coaches or team representatives are asked to report results ASAP after games by emailing sports@burlingtonfreepress.com. Please submit with a name/contact number.
►Contact Alex Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter: @aabrami5.
►Contact Judith Altneu at jaltneu@gannett.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter: @Judith_Altneu.
SUNDAY’S COLLEGE GAMES
Women’s soccer
Fairleigh Dickinson 1, Vermont 1
V: Bailey Ayer 1G. Kate Bossert 1A. Dani Pollard 5 saves.
FD: Marina Burzaco 1G.
Note: Ayer scored her fourth goal in five games, a 20th-minute tally that gave Vermont (1-1-3) a 1-0 lead.
Field hockey
Rutgers 5, Vermont 0
R: Guillermina Causarano 2G.
V: Ila Gunner 4 saves. Merle Vaandrager 7 saves.
Note: Ninth-ranked Rutgers gained a 2-0 halftime lead in its home win. Vermont falls to 0-2.
MONDAY’S H.S. GAMES
Men’s soccer
Vermont 1, San Diego State 0
V: Maximilian Kissel 1G. Yaniv Bazini 1A. Andrew Millar 1A. Lou Liedtka 1 save.
SD: Eddy Vargas 5 saves.
Note: Kissel’s first career Division I goal arrived in the 41st as Vermont (1-1-1) defeated San Diego State on the road. The Catamounts play their home opener vs. American this Saturday.
TUESDAY’S COLLEGE GAMES
Women’s soccer
Vermont at Siena, 4 p.m.
TUESDAY’S H.S. GAMES
Field hockey
Games at 4 p.m. unless noted
Stowe at Lyndon
Hartford at St. Johnsbury
Missisquoi at North Country
Milton at Harwood
Windsor at Bellows Falls
Burr and Burton at Rutland
Girls soccer
Games at 4:30 p.m. unless noted
Essex at Rice
Burlington at Stowe
Winooski at Richford
Rutland at Colchester
Harwood at Mount Mansfield
Lake Region at St. Johnsbury
Blue Mountain at Thetford
Montpelier at Middlebury
BFA-Fairfax at Danville/Twinfield/Cabot
Peoples at Mount Abraham
Enosburg at Vergennes
Burr and Burton at Champlain Valley
Lamoille at Paine Mountain
Missisquoi at Milton, 6 p.m.
South Burlington at Mount Anthony, 6 p.m.
Girls volleyball
Games at 6 p.m. unless noted
Rice at South Burlington
Montpelier at Harwood
Randolph at Essex
Hartford at Mount Anthony
Bellows Free at Mount Mansfield
Vermont Commons at Middlebury
Lyndon at Enosburg
WEDNESDAY’S COLLEGE GAMES
Women’s soccer
Vermont at Siena, 4 p.m.
WEDNESDAY’S H.S. GAMES
Field hockey
Games at 4 p.m. unless noted
Champlain Valley at Essex
South Burlington at Rice
Colchester at Mount Mansfield
U-32 at Mount Abraham
Fair Haven at Otter Valley
Woodstock at Brattleboro, 4:15 p.m.
Middlebury at Burlington, 4:30 p.m.
Girls soccer
North Country at BFA-St. Albans, 7 p.m.
Boys soccer
Games at 4:30 p.m. unless noted
Mount Anthony at U-32
Lamoille at BFA-Fairfax
Winooski at Peoples
Missisquoi at Lake Region
Danville at Lyndon
Rice at Colchester
Thetford at Blue Mountain
Spaulding at Middlebury
Richford at Enosburg
South Burlington at Burr and Burton
Montpelier at St. Johnsbury, 7 p.m.
Boys volleyball
Games at 6 p.m. unless noted
South Burlington at Rice
Burlington at Mount Mansfield
Essex at Champlain Valley
(Subject to change)
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